Gender reveal parties offer a joyful and memorable opportunity for the parents-to-be to announce their baby’s gender to family and friends in a creative and engaging way. With these celebrations becoming more and more popular, many guests may wonder: Do you bring a gift to a gender reveal party?
While it may not be as traditional as a baby shower, the etiquette around these events is evolving. If you're invited to a gender reveal and aren't sure what’s expected, you're not alone. In this guide, we’ll break down the purpose of a gender reveal, gift expectations, creative ideas, and more.
What is a Gender Reveal Party?
Before we explore whether you should give a gift at a gender reveal party, let's be clear about what a gender reveal party means.
A gender reveal party is a celebration where expecting parents announce whether they are having a boy or a girl. Typically held during the second trimester, these events include a dramatic reveal—like cutting a cake with pink or blue filling, popping confetti-filled balloons, or even launching color-coded smoke bombs.
Gender reveals are usually casual social gatherings focused on fun rather than formal gift-giving, but traditions are shifting.
Do You Give a Gift at a Gender Reveal Party?
So, do you take a gift to a gender reveal party? Although bringing a gift to a gender reveal party isn’t required, it is becoming more common. Unlike baby showers, which are more structured and focused on preparing for the baby's arrival, gender reveal parties tend to be lighter and more about celebrating the moment. That said, a small, thoughtful gift for the parents-to-be is always appreciated.
Gifts at gender reveal parties are typically modest—think sweet gestures rather than registry items. Since the gender is being revealed at the event, it’s best to avoid gender-specific baby gifts. Instead, consider giving something that helps the parents enjoy the journey, such as a self-care item, a shared experience, or a sentimental keepsake. It’s a lovely way to express your excitement without feeling pressured.
What Gift for a Gender Reveal Party?
If you're considering giving a gift for a gender reveal party, selecting a suitable gift involves considering items that celebrate the parents-to-be or are useful during pregnancy. Here are eight creative ideas for what to gift at a gender reveal party to inspire you:
Baby Toys
Baby toys are a thoughtful and practical gift option for a gender reveal party, especially when chosen with a neutral design. Soft plush animals, textured sensory rattles, and wooden stacking blocks are all safe, developmentally appropriate choices for newborns. These items are perfect for any baby, and parents will appreciate having a few engaging toys ready for playtime once the little one arrives.
Baby Clothing
Gender-neutral baby clothing is a safe and useful gift choice. Look for high-quality onesies, footed sleepers, or swaddles in soft, breathable fabrics like organic cotton or bamboo. Neutral tones like white, gray, beige, or soft greens and yellows suit any baby and are easy to mix and match. Choosing slightly larger sizes ensures the clothes will be useful as the baby grows.
Spa or Massage Gift Certificate
Pregnancy brings many physical changes, and it can take a toll on a woman’s body. A prenatal massage or spa treatment gift certificate is a thoughtful and nurturing way to help the mom-to-be feel relaxed, pampered, and appreciated. Whether it’s a solo spa day or a couple’s retreat before baby arrives, this gift provides both comfort and care.
Customized Keepsake
A personalized keepsake is a meaningful way to help parents commemorate the special milestone of expecting a child. Ideas include engraved photo frames for ultrasound pictures, a custom ornament with the baby’s due date, or a “baby loading” countdown sign for the nursery. These gifts stand out for their sentimentality and serve as timeless reminders of the anticipation and love surrounding the baby’s arrival.
Parenting Books
Books are classic and useful gifts, especially for first-time parents. Choose titles that are informative yet easy to read, such as What to Expect When You’re Expecting, The Expectant Father, or even humorous takes on parenting. These books can help prepare them mentally and emotionally for the journey ahead, offering reassurance, tips, and a good laugh when it’s most needed.
Date Night Gift Box
Life gets busy before and after a baby arrives, so giving parents a date night box is a great reminder to slow down and connect. Include movie tickets or a streaming gift card, gourmet snacks, a cozy blanket, and perhaps a fun game or candles to set the mood. It’s a small but meaningful way to support their relationship and encourage memorable moments together.
Meal Delivery Subscription
Cooking during pregnancy—or after bringing a newborn home—can be exhausting. A meal delivery service like HelloFresh, Blue Apron, or a local meal prep company offers ready-to-cook or fully prepared meals delivered straight to their door. It reduces stress, saves time, and ensures they’re eating well, even on the busiest days.
Wine Kit
A wine kit makes a fun and classy gift, especially for couples who enjoy a glass on special occasions. Choose a kit they can enjoy post-baby or personalize a bottle with a label that says “To Be Opened After the Baby Arrives.” To complete the gift, include a high-quality wine opener like the rechargeable SCHWUA Electric Wine Opener for effortless enjoyment.
Tips for Finding the Perfect Gender Reveal Gift
To make you worry-free when deciding what gift to give for a gender reveal party, we give some helpful tips to guide your decision:
Focus on the Parents: Since the baby's gender is being revealed, but the baby hasn't arrived yet, it's best to choose gifts that benefit the parents. Think comfort, relaxation, or memory-making items.
Keep It Simple and Thoughtful: This isn’t a baby shower, so there’s no need to bring a large or elaborate present. A simple, meaningful gesture—like a handwritten note paired with a small gift—is more than enough.
Avoid Gendered Items: Since the gender will only be revealed at the party, avoid buying anything pink, blue, or overtly gender-specific ahead of time. Neutral gifts are the safest bet.
Personalization Wins: A personalized or handmade gift adds a special touch that shows you care. Whether it’s a keepsake or a custom card, thoughtfulness goes a long way.
Consider Group Gifts: If attending with a friend or partner, consider pooling resources for a slightly larger gift that offers more value, such as a premium dinner kit or a full spa day.
Check with the Host: If in doubt, ask! A quick check-in with the host can help clarify whether gifts are welcomed or if there’s a preferred theme or registry. Alt: Find the perfect gender reveal gift.
Conclusion
Gender reveal parties are meant to be joyful, relaxed occasions centered around celebrating new life and sharing that excitement with loved ones. So, do you bring a gift to a gender reveal party? While you’re not obligated to bring a gift, bringing a gift is a kind and appreciated gesture. Stick to thoughtful, modest ideas that support or pamper the parents, and avoid gender-specific items unless you know the reveal in advance. Whether you choose a keepsake, an experience, or a small token of care, your gift will help make the day even more memorable.
